Groundwork RI Launches EPA Green Jobs Training For Central Falls

CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Environmental justice is a rising theme, and now four
Rhode Island communities — Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and
Central Falls — will benefit from a green jobs training program funded
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Groundwork Rhode Island in Pawtucket was just selected by the EPA for
a $200,000 environmental workforce development and job training grant.
Groundwork will train up to 56 people, with a focus on those who need it
most. The program is designed to help adults who have experienced
barriers to employment, and those who live in areas historically
affected by hazardous waste and brownfield sites.

The training program includes 185 hours of instruction leading to
various federal certifications. Participants who complete the program
will become qualified for jobs connected with environmental assessment
and cleanup.

A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse may be
complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated
waste sites in America, according to the EPA.

“The professional training provided with this EPA grant will help
dozens of Rhode Island trainees to learn high-demand professional
skills,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah
Szaro.

At a virtual press event held Thursday, Szaro said a skilled
workforce is needed in areas where hazardous waste and brownfield
cleanup and assessment are taking place. The idea is to reduce
environmental contamination, build a sustainable future, strengthen
local economies, and place people in good jobs.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. David Cicilline
participated in the event and each offered words of encouragement and
praise. “Workers skilled in environmental remediation will continue to
be in demand for decades to come as contaminated relics of the state’s
industrial past are converted to new productive uses,” said Whitehouse.

“Protecting and improving our environment is one of the most
important things we can do to create jobs, expand opportunities, and
improve the quality of life for every Rhode Islander,” said Cicilline.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement saying the federal grant will
help Rhode Islanders earn a good paycheck while improving the
environment and revitalizing communities. The training program will
“ensure Rhode Island has a well-trained workforce ready to fill
in-demand jobs,” he said.

Amelia Rose, executive director of Groundwork Rhode Island, said
she’s pleased the organization’s adult job training program will be
funded by the EPA moving foward. “Environmental jobs are in the business
of protecting people's health and building a more resilient future.
Groundwork Rhode Island is thrilled to continue training local residents
to meet these challenges,” she said.

Groundwork Rhode Island won EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants five
times between 2002 and 2015. The new grant pushes the cumulative total
to more than $940,000. The group now plans to train 56 students and
place them in jobs.

Participants will become certified in Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response Training, or “HAZWOPER.” They will have access to
training in OSHA construction site safety, confined space entry, lead
renovation, remodeling and painting, and forklift operation. They will
learn about soil sampling, indoor air quality, mold and vapor intrusion,
wastewater treatment, green infrastructure, urban tree standards, water
testing and sampling, green roofs, and Energy Star design.

“We are so pleased that our adult job training program will continue
to be supported over the next few years with this 2021 environmental job
training grant from the U.S. EPA,” said Rose.

Developments in or near Central Falls have recently received brownfields
grants from the state to aid in site preparation, including Dexter Street Commons
near the coming train station, The Valley Breeze previously reported.

The green infrastructure training program is in response to major
flooding events, severe urban water quality impairments, and recent
enforcement of Clean Water Act protections. Stormwater management has
taken center stage across Rhode Island, according to the EPA.

Key partners with Groundwork include the Providence Housing
Authority, Progreso Latino, Providence Stormwater Innovation Center,
Green Site Services Group, Inc., the Genesis Center, Children’s Friend,
the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, Aerotek, Rhode
Island Housing, and Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance.

The EPA program, launched in 1998, awards competitive grants to
cities, nonprofits and other entities to recruit, train and place
unemployed and underemployed individuals. Many are from low-income
neighborhoods or are dislocated workers who lost their jobs due to plant
closures or other circumstances.

Those who wish to participate in green jobs training should contact Groundwork Rhode Island. The organization has set up an online application portal.
Those who would like a paper application should call (401) 305-7174 or
send an email to Amelia Rose at arose@groundworkri.org.